This
morning in a press conference at the State Capitol, Governor Jerry Brown
released the 2016-17 State Budget, which includes a proposal to provide $4.8
million in new funding for the purpose of enhancing the California Library Services Act. This funding would be in addition to the $1.8
million that is currently appropriated for the CLSA.

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In
light of his cautious approach to this year’s Budget, we are pleased to see
that Governor Brown has identified $4.8 million in new funding for public
libraries under the CLSA, as a sign of his support for their valuable
services. Specifically the Budget notes:

California
Library Services Act – An increase of $1.8 million General Fund ongoing and $3
million General Fund on a one-time basis for the California Library Services
Act program. These funds will be used to
strengthen statewide and regional services for public libraries.”

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Lastly,
there was no additional money provided for thestate literacy
program, but the current dollar amount of $4.8 million will
continue under the Governor’s Budget.
There was also no new money provided for broadband
connections for public libraries, but the funding that allows
public libraries to participate as a member of CENIC will
continue ($2.25 million). Last year, the legislature and the Governor provided
$4 million for broadband connectivity grants. READ MORE @